Solutions

Did you know?

Air pollution by disc brakes causes 20% of the total emissions by a standard car and the pollution (ultra-fine dust) is more toxic for humans than exhaust fumes.

Ultra-fine pollution (PM 0.1) isn't yet officially measured in many cities (including Helsinki) while the particles have a greater impact on health.

Air pollution causes crime and unethical behaviour

Recent studies have discovered a link between air pollution and crime.

The evidence suggests that air pollution has the capacity to increase bad behaviour. But further research indicates that it can have even more serious impacts. One study of air pollution and crime in 9,360 US cities suggests that air pollution increases crime.

Recent research from the UK provides more evidence. By comparing data for 1.8 million crimes over two years with pollution data from London’s boroughs and wards. The analysis considered factors such as temperature, humidity and rainfall, days of the week and different seasons. The researchers found that a 10 point raise in the AQI increases the crime rate by 0.9 per cent. Levels of crime in London are therefore higher on the most polluted days. The study found that air pollution influenced crime in London’s wealthiest and poorest neighbourhoods. (lse.ac.uk)

Ultra-fine pollution not yet measured

In big cities such as London and Helsinki, PM0.1 isn't yet officially measured (2019).

The effects on health are largely Unknown.

Impact on health

According to a recent study, PM0.1 ultra-fine dust is emerging as the most abundant pollution in cities.

Ultrafine particles (UFPs or PM0.1) are the fraction of ambient particulates with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 0.1 microm. PM0.1 is emerging as the most abundant particulate pollutants in urban areas. Ultrafine particles have been less studied than PM2.5 and PM10 particulates.

UFPs represent an area of toxicology of emerging concern. (PubMed.gov)

Levyjarrut: ilmansaasteet

"Vehicle tailpipe emissions are going down, but the emissions from disc brakes will remain to some extent, even if you drive an electric car," Weber said. "Therefore, this kind of process will continue to play out in the future and will be an important consideration when we look at the health effects of particulate matter." (Phys.org)